Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1996

The House of Krug invites you to discover the intensity, individuality and purity of Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996: from a single plot, a single grape variety – Pinot Noir – and the harvest of the year 1996.

Clos d’Ambonnay is a tiny walled plot of 0.68 hectares located in the heart of Ambonnay, one of the most distinguished villages for Pinot Noir grapes in Champagne and the main source of Pinot Noir for the House since its earliest years.

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 is the second Champagne from this unique plot of Pinot Noir. The first was created with the harvest of 1995.

Purchase

Champagne notes

A talk with Julie Cavil

Krug Cellar Master

In 1996, the village of Ambonnay had extremely wide diurnal temperature variations as the grapes were coming to the end of the cycle in the vineyard. Warm sunny days and very cold nights resulted in ripened grapes with extraordinarily high freshness. This weather pattern exalted the finesse of Clos d’Ambonnay’s Pinot Noir grapes, which is why 1996 is a year for Champagne’s history books.

Krug’s savoir-faire successfully revealed the depth and intensity of Pinot Noir from this walled plot in the year 1996.

Ratings

"This incredibly refined Champagne opens with a superb, well-delineated bouquet and an impeccable, almost imperceptible mousse. At first very refined, the wine tightens up in the glass considerably as the acidity comes to life on the palate. Today the 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay comes across as incredibly young and searing, in fact at this stage, it reminds me most of the vins claires I tasted at the estate last year!"

Robert Parker 2020

RATING: 95+/100

"Krug’s 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay comes across as quite nuanced and understated, with precise, crystalline fruit and tons of detail."

Antonio Galloni 2020

RATING: 95/100

TASTING NOTES

Light gold with slight hints of violet, recalling its Pinot Noir origins.
Sumptuous aromas of plum tart fresh from the oven, brioche, lightly toasted hazelnuts, orange blossom, candied apricots and citrus fruit. The palate is incredibly concentrated, full and deep, reminiscent of autumn fruits with amazing freshness and great fullness, enhanced by delicately fine bubbles and a very long finish.

‍

TASTING NOTES

‍

KRUG X MUSIC

The House of Krug has long sensed that a link existed between sound and taste perception. Many appreciators of fine wine and Music, or anyone who has used the Krug App, understands the joy of savouring this extraordinary Champagne while listening to a piece of Music and how such an experience allows one to travel down direct pathways to the sensations.

The House collaborates with renowned artists, as well as with rising newcomers who compose original tracks following their tastings with the Cellar Master. Their Music Pairings or “Krug Echoes” are accessible to anyone on Krug.com or via the Krug app, making it possible to share their unforgettable experience with Krug Champagne at home.

DISCOVER KRUG ECHOES

FOOD PAIRING

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 can be enjoyed with pan-seared firm-fleshed white fish, sea bass with a langoustine or an elegant creamy almond sauce, boiled or grilled langoustines with a light sabayon cream, or simple gourmet items such bellota-fed pata negra ham, or a black truffle sandwich.

FOOD PAIRING

STORING AND SERVING

The Right Temperature

The House of Krug recommends that its Champagnes be served between 9°C and 12°C, as colder temperatures limit the expression of their flavours and aromas.

The Right Glass

In 2011 the House of Krug partnered with renowned crystal maker, Riedel, to design a glass that would most generously reveal the fullness of flavours and aromas of Krug Grande Cuvée.